‘Indians were given maximum British visas; remain cautious about fraud; rollout of e-visas next year’ | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Indians continue to get the maximum number of UK visas, a trend that started post-Covid. From next year, Britain will begin implementing a ‘standard digital’ immigration system by 2025 and introduce eVisas. While it is not yet known when this will be rolled out in India, at VFS Global UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) biometrics will be recorded first, followed by document scanning for non-digital customers to reduce wait times.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has also warned against fraud. “Scammers may ask for personal information on social media and claim to help with your visa application. UKVI will never contact you via social media. Fraudsters can insist on prompt payment through various methods. UKVI will never request payment by email, to a VAC or to a personal bank account. Pay all associated fees, including visa fees and premium services, online at GOV.UK or partner websites,” it warned, adding: “Beware of fake agents promising to expedite UK visas or request payments to personal accounts. Scammers can pose as UKVI staff to steal your personal information. Report any suspicious activity immediately.”
“Indian nationals were the largest group to receive UK visas for the visit, study and work categories in the year ending June 2024,” British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said here on Tuesday while inaugurating a new UK VAC, managed by VFS Global. New permanent UK VACs have been added in Lucknow, Jaipur, Gurugram and Mysuru, taking their number from 14 to 18. “To make the application process easier, VACs will now first record biometrics, followed by scanning documents for non-digital applicants. This change will significantly reduce wait times,” VFS said.
Lindy Cameron said: “The Britain-India partnership is built on millions of personal connections, shared dreams and collective ambitions… We are introducing significant improvements to our visa services across India, further strengthening our already excellent visa offering for Indian nationals. The vast majority of visit, work and study visa applications we receive are processed within three weeks and there are no limits on visa appointments. Britain processed nearly 10 lakh visa applications in India in the year ending June 2024.
Matt Heath from UKVI said: “Over the past two years, UKVI has consistently met our customer service standards, making visa decisions for visit, work or study routes within 15 working days for standard applications, five working days for priority applications and one working day. day for super priority applicants. VFS consistently offers biometric appointments for UK visa applicants within five working days.”
“Looking ahead, the UK Government is moving towards a ‘standard digital’ immigration system by 2025, with the introduction of eVisas…. While we are excited about these innovations, we also want to ensure the safety and security of all visa applicants. I urge everyone to remain vigilant against visa fraud. Please remember that UKVI will never contact you via social media, request payment by email or into a personal bank account, or guarantee visa offers in return for payment to third parties.
VFS Global says its UK VACs have moved to larger premises in eight cities in India: Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mysuru and Kochi.